Calendimaggio, the medieval May festival

What it is and what you see

Calendimaggio is the festival with which Assisi welcomes spring, an Umbrian tradition that the town turns into four days of medieval competition. Assisi divides into two sides, the Nobilissima Parte de Sopra, the upper part, and the Magnifica Parte de Sotto, the lower, and the two compete for the palio with processions in period costume, recreations of medieval life, games, challenges and songs through the streets and in the Piazza del Comune. A jury of experts in history, music and performance, different each year, decides who wins, and its verdict is not disputed.

The festival is experienced on two scales. In the Piazza del Comune, the heart of the town, are the solemn ceremonies and the games, with a grandstand. Through the streets pass the processions, which enter and leave the square along Corso Mazzini and Piazza Santa Chiara.

When

It is held from the first Wednesday to the first Saturday after 1 May. In 2026 it ran from 6 to 9 May. The 2027 dates have not yet been announced on the official website; by that rule it would fall on 5 to 8 May, but confirm it before booking.

The programme, day by day

Using the 2026 edition as a guide:

• Wednesday, the handing over of the keys. At 15:00 the banners are blessed: those of the Parte de Sotto in the upper Basilica of St Francis and those of the Parte de Sopra in the Cathedral of San Rufino. At 16:00, in the Piazza del Comune, choirs of both parts, investiture of the jury, entrance of the processions, return of the palio and flag-bearers of Assisi. In the evening, at 21:30, the Parte de Sotto presents its recreations of medieval life.
• Thursday, Madonna Primavera. At 15:30, in the square, challenge games between the parts, with crossbowmen, a tregge (sledge) race and tug of war, to proclaim Madonna Primavera, who then parades. At 21:30, recreations by the Parte de Sopra.
• Friday, the show. At 16:00, the Calendimaggio dei Piccoli in the square; at 21:30, the night procession, the Tenzone.
• Saturday, the contest. At 15:30, entrance of the historic processions into the square; at 21:30, the song contest and the awarding of the palio.

Tickets and price

The grandstand in the Piazza del Comune is paid. In 2026 online sales opened on 24 March, with a pass for the four days, through the platform linked from the official website; animals are not allowed in the grandstand. The website does not publish which events are free of charge or the 2027 prices: write to [email protected] or check the news section when sales are announced.

Getting there and where to park

Assisi railway station is below, in Santa Maria degli Angeli, on the Foligno–Terontola line; from there you go up by bus. By car you arrive via the E45, Assisi exit. The historic centre is closed to unauthorised cars: park outside, for example in the paid car park at Piazza Matteotti, in the upper part. The Calendimaggio website does not publish road closures or special shuttles; bear in mind that the town fills up that week.

Practical tips

Book accommodation well in advance and, if you can, inside the walls: that way you see the night processions without depending on the car. If you don't have a grandstand seat, stand on Corso Mazzini or in Piazza Santa Chiara, where the processions leave the square. The streets of Assisi are steep and made of stone; with a pushchair, a baby carrier is better. On Friday afternoon, the Calendimaggio dei Piccoli is the event designed for children.

Make the most of the mornings, before the afternoon events, for the Basilica of St Francis, which opens at 6:00, or to climb up to the Rocca Maggiore.